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Perennial Rye-grass

©Philip Precey

Perennial rye-grass

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Perennial rye-grass is a tufted, vigorous grass of roadside verges, rough pastures and waste ground. It is commonly used in agriculture and for reseeding grasslands.

Scientific name

Lolium perenne

When to see

January to December

Top facts

Stats

Height: up to 50cm
Common.

About

Perennial rye-grass is a tough native grass that can be found on roadside verges, rough pastures and waste ground; it was once the most commonly sown grass in leys (fields used for grazing livestock) and is now often used for reseeding grasslands. It flowers from May through summer, and can vary from being an annual plant to being very persistent year after year.

What to look for

Perennial rye-grass has green stems and narrow, blade-like leaves. The spikelets, which hold the flowers, are attached to the stem in an alternating pattern. Perennial Rye-grass grows in clumps and has fibrous roots.

Where to find

Widespread.

Did you know?

Perennial rye-grass has been used since the early 17th century as a forage crop for livestock.